Bonus Photos of Turpan (Turfan, or Turphan), Xinjiang, China.  Turpan is "just" a few hours from Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang province, and "only" 4 days by bus from Kashgar -- making it a neighbor!  Turpan has quite a lot of old Silk Road history, as well, and I spent several days there in 1985 on my first trip to Kashgar.

Imin Mosque and Pagoda:  Two miles outside of Turpan are the Imin Mosque and its unique mineret -- called a "Pagoda" here.  Left: Originally built in 1778, the tower of the Imin "Pagoda" is 37 meters (120 ft.) high.  Right: The Imin Mosque and its Pagoda.

Imin Mosque and Pagoda:  The Turpan area is watered by the ancient (Qing period) Karez System of irrigation, using about 3,000 miles of channels and wells to control runoff from the northern Tien Shan mountains. Left: View of the fertile countryside outside Turpan from the Imin Mosque.  Right: View from the top of the Imin Pagoda.

Gaochang:  The city of Gaochang was the center of a trading empire along the Silk Road, established in the 1st century A.D.  Left: Some ruins of Gaochang remain outside of Turpan.  Right: These mud-brick buildings were fairly advanced; the circular one may have even had a domed roof.

Gaochang:  The walled city of Gaochang -- at the foot of the Flaming Mountains -- flourished up to the 14th century, when it was destroyed, and then lost under the sands.  Left: The people of Gaochang had knowledge of the true arch, as well as other architectural talents.

Bezeklik: The Thousand Buddha Caves of Bezeklik in the Flaming Mountains near Turpan.  Left: 40 of the 80 caves have tall Buddhist wall paintings.  The earliest are from the 5th century AD; the latest from the 14th century. Right: The village of Bezelik raises grapes and nuts.  Metal doors secure the caves with paintings, opened by local guides.